Tesla CPO Buying Guide

Tesla likes to do everything a little differently. They don’t have dealerships. They don’t have internal combustion engines. They don’t really have door handles (or, at least they don’t until they automatically pop out of the side of the car).

The Tesla certified pre-owned program is no different. For instance, each vehicle undergoes a 214-point, seven-hour inspection, and qualifying vehicles get free charging at Tesla’s nationwide network of Superchargers.

Read on to learn more about CPO Teslas.

Research

Which Used Tesla Vehicles Are Eligible?

The Tesla certified pre-owned vehicle limited warranty covers pre-owned vehicles sold by Tesla in the Tesla North America Warranty Region, which comprises all 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and all 13 provinces and territories of Canada.

All variants in the Model S family – that’s Tesla’s all-electric luxury sedan – are included. The used inventory on Tesla’s website shows Model S cars available in a range of battery size and drivetrain configurations. The batteries range from 60 to 90 kilowatt-hours, and drivetrain configurations include rear- and all-wheel drive. Tesla even offers their performance-oriented models. Tesla’s battery-powered Model X crossover SUV, which went on sale in 2015, is not yet included in the manufacturer’s used vehicle program.

Inspection Process

Like other certified pre-owned vehicle programs, the used vehicles Tesla validates receive a full inspection before they’re deemed eligible for resale. However, Tesla puts their CPO vehicles through a 214-point, seven-hour inspection before they’re deemed “fully inspected.” Other manufacturers only put their CPO vehicles through 160-point inspections.

Certified technicians will check the car’s components, from its drivetrain to its interior condition, and even the brakes. Inspectors will also evaluate the car’s paintwork, safety equipment, infotainment functions, electrical system, and heating and air conditioning systems.

Warranty

The program offers a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty that replaces the original warranty and begins on the first day with the mileage the pre-owned vehicle is delivered with. Owners must receive their warranty service in the North America Warranty Region in order to maintain coverage.

The Tesla Pre-Owned Vehicle Limited Warranty does not cover damage or malfunction due to abuse, misuse, negligence, or accident; improper maintenance, operation, storage, or transport; or failure to take the vehicle to a Tesla Service Center or Tesla authorized repair facility to fix a warranty-covered repair.

Extras

Certified pre-owned Tesla owners also receive 24-hour roadside assistance in the event of an emergency or breakdown. All used models sold through Tesla are also grandfathered into the company’s free supercharging benefits, so that drivers can charge their cars’ batteries at any Tesla supercharger station for free. The company discontinued that perk for new owners earlier this year.

How Does It Compare to Rivals?

Tesla’s CPO program is typical of luxury brands sold in the United States. Audi, BMW, and Porsche offer certified pre-owned warranties that last for two years and 50,000 miles once the original factory warranty expires. Volvo’s warranty covers seven years and 100,000 miles from the original, new-car purchase date.

Lexus’ program is more extensive. Like several other automakers, its warranty is valid for three years after its four-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle basic warranty expires; mileage is limited to 100,000.

How to Buy a Tesla CPO Vehicle

Interested in purchasing a certified pre-owned Tesla? Our used car listings include tens of thousands of CPO models from around the country. Not sure which CPO Tesla to buy? Use our used car rankings to find the top used cars in every class.